Memorial Day Should Be Every Day

I’ve never known anyone that was actively enlisted in the military. At least, not in my immediate circle of friends, family or loved ones. It’s hard for me to imagine how difficult it must be to say goodbye to someone you love as they ship off to war or some foreign country of civil unrest. Even harder to imagine is the grief of those that lose their loved ones by the same accord.

Throughout history there have been wars and civil unrest all over the world – yet since the unionization of our country there have been countless men and women willing to defend not only the freedom of our own land but the freedom of others as well. The astounding courage and passion it must take to believe in your country and all of its people that you don’t even know so much that you are willing to risk your own life defending it… That’s honor. That’s more honor than I will ever know or possess in my life.

It’s a “holiday” 1 day a year, but Memorial Day should be every day, really. I see so many homeless men and women who once stood proud and defended their country. It makes me incredibly sad to see that society regards them as nothing more than panhandlers. Young soldiers are coming home from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan with life crippling injuries. They lay in hospitals, hooked to machines – so many will never recover to a normal life. They did this for you. For me. Nothing I’ll ever do could express how grateful I am for that.  I can’t help them all; not alone. I can talk about it here though and encourage you to give and help however you can. Even if your life has never been touched by someone in the military, you owe your existence in this country to people you’ve never met. Do something to thank them.